Dr. Katarzyna Maniszewska, Civitas University scholar and expert on terrorism, radicalization, and European security, is the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Fulbright-NATO Security Studies Award. She is currently conducting her research at the Program on Extremism at George Washington University, focusing on countering radicalization and violent extremism. We asked Dr. Maniszewska about her award, research, and AI-related security challenges.
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Congratulations on receiving the highly competitive Fulbright-NATO Security Studies Award. Could you tell us what this award means to you and your academic work?
Thank you so much. This award is a pivotal opportunity in my academic path. It represents recognition of my work so far and confirms that the project I am pursuing may be of interest and importance to NATO countries. Now, of course, everything depends on the work I do here!

You are currently conducting your research in Washington, D.C. What is the main focus of your project, and why is it important in today’s security landscape?
I am conducting my research at George Washington University (GWU), at the leading research center, the Program on Extremism (PoE). My project, “Eternal Vigilance. Countering State-Sponsored Radicalization,” focuses on human factors in the defense against terrorism, including Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) and building resilience to radicalization.
The research aims to analyze existing approaches in NATO member states and identify the most effective solutions to prepare for, deter, and defend against radicalization leading to extremism and terrorism, as well as against political polarization that may eventually destabilize democratic societies. Malign state actors advance radicalization in societies they perceive as “enemies.” State-sponsored radicalization can take many ideological forms, including right-wing, left-wing, Islamist/jihadist, and mixed-ideology extremism.
The project title—partly inspired by the quote attributed to Thomas Jefferson, “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty”—reflects the need for long-term strategic commitment to counter malign state actors.
This project is, in fact, a continuation of my previous research. You may recall that last year I also conducted research at the Program on Extremism at GWU under a Kościuszko Foundation research fellowship. It resulted in the publication Radicalization at High Speed: Terrorism and the Media in the Age of AI (Civitas Press, 2025). This time, I am expanding my research interests by taking a closer look at state sponsors of radicalization.

In your research, you often explore radicalization and terrorism. What new trends or risks do you see emerging, particularly regarding modern technologies such as AI?
Unfortunately, malign actors may be among the greatest beneficiaries of the digital revolution. AI-powered tools are increasingly used by terrorists and hostile state actors for propaganda, radicalization, recruitment, and operational planning. Risks also arise from vulnerabilities in legitimately functioning AI systems.
However, the rapid development and global spread of AI present both challenges and opportunities for counterterrorism and for preventing violent extremism.
As part of my research in Washington, D.C., I have already completed a comparative analysis of AI-related regulations, looking specifically at aspects relevant to radicalization prevention. I analyzed selected documents, including the OECD Principles for Artificial Intelligence, the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act, and the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights in the United States. I believe this area will prove crucial, as I aim to highlight the risks associated with AI in the context of state-sponsored radicalization.

Looking ahead, what outcomes or insights do you hope your Fulbright-NATO research will bring—to you personally, to academia, and perhaps to policymakers?
I hope the project results will offer practical insights into how to counter malign foreign influence and effectively prevent radicalization. These issues are relevant not only in the context of terrorism but also across the broader spectrum of contemporary security threats.
For me personally, the fellowship’s objective is not only to conduct research but also to learn from American colleagues and make a small contribution to strengthening ties between European and American academia. I am using my time here to engage in discussions and share knowledge and experience related to teaching, research, and higher education management—not only at GWU but also at other universities I visit. Upon returning to Poland, I hope to share best practices and lessons learned with my colleagues at Civitas University.
In addition, my stay in the U.S. provides an excellent opportunity to promote Civitas University’s international initiatives, including our summer school “Security and Society in the Information Age” and the double degree program with West Virginia University.
Another important component of the project involves public outreach, for example, through public lectures—aimed not only at promoting the research, its findings, and the role of the Fulbright Commission and NATO in supporting academia and evidence-based policymaking, but above all at raising public awareness of emerging threats.
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Dr. Maniszewska’s ongoing research in Washington, D.C., exemplifies the growing international engagement of Civitas University scholars in addressing global security challenges. Her work contributes to deepening academic cooperation between Europe and the United States and promotes the values of dialogue, resilience, and evidence-based policymaking.

Interview by Agnieszka Mrowińska, CU International Relations Office.